The Dala Horse Now Receives Unique EU Protection—Aiming to Stop Counterfeits

The Swedish Dala horse is now protected throughout the EU. This will make it more difficult to sell imitations under that well-known name. The decision strengthens Swedish artisans’ ability to protect their cultural heritage.

On Wednesday, it was announced that The Swedish Patent and Registration Office (PRV) announced that the Dala horse will be the first in Sweden to be registered in the EU’s new system for the protection of artisanal products. The application was submitted by the companies Grannas A. Olsson Hemslöjd and Nils Olsson Dalahästar. The decision was made by the EU agency EUIPO (European Union Intellectual Property Office, sv: European Union Intellectual Property Office).

Swedish craftsmanship is now protected

This protection means that companies are not allowed to use the name “Dala horse” indiscriminately. The products must meet specific requirements regarding manufacturing and origin. The rules apply throughout the EU, including for online sales. This gives Swedish artisans better opportunities to stop companies from misusing the name.

Here are the requirements for using the name

To be allowed to use the protected designation “Dala horse,” the manufacturer must follow specific rules. These include, among other things:

• Source: The horse must be produced within the geographic area specified in the EU-approved regulations.
• Manufacturing: The horse must be built according to specific rules.
• Features: The horse must meet the requirements for the product's characteristics.
• Labeling: The buyer must not be misled about the horse's origin.

Swedish Cultural Heritage to Receive Stronger Protection

As early as 1922, they were manufacturing Anders Olsson from Granna its first Dala horse. Since then, the painted wooden horse has become one of Sweden’s most famous symbols. However, this protection does not mean that any single company has exclusive rights to the name. Any manufacturer that follows the rules may use it.

Now, other Swedish crafts can also receive the same protection. Manufacturers have until December 2, 2026, to register established product names with a geographic connection to the PRV. There is no fee during this period. After that, manufacturers can apply directly to the EUIPO.